Bandar Seri Alam: Thirty-five medical officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces will be sent on a humanitarian mission to earthquake-hit Myanmar, announced Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. This decision follows the Malaysian government’s agreement to establish a field hospital in the region devastated by the earthquake on March 28.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the specifics regarding the hospital’s capacity and location are still to be determined, pending approval from the Myanmar government. The deployment date for the medical officers is currently being arranged. The proposed field hospital will provide orthopaedic and trauma care, and emergency surgery for victims suffering from fractures and related injuries, aiming to reduce the risk of permanent disability among those affected.

Minister Khaled emphasized that Malaysia plans to collaborate with other ASEAN countries that are also setting up field hospitals. Additionally, the initiative includes assisting in training Myanmar’s medical teams as part of broader capacity-building efforts in the health sector. “We’re ready; we’re just waiting for approval and direction from Myanmar on where to deploy,” he stated.

Speaking at a press conference during the opening of the BHPetrol Bandar Seri Alam station and the Hari Raya celebration, Khaled also mentioned that the Malaysian government would request assurance from Myanmar regarding the security of the field hospital’s location. This is to ensure the area is free from threats posed by armed groups, and the safety of medical personnel is guaranteed.

The Defence Minister’s announcement follows a statement by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who confirmed the government’s agreement to establish a Malaysian field hospital in Myanmar. This decision received approval from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a recent Cabinet meeting.